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Let's face it, being the primary caretaker of elderly parents can make it difficult to take a break from your responsibilities. But don't let that discourage you. Everyone needs a vacation! This blog will provide you with tons of helpful information on how to make sure your loved ones are taken care of while you enjoy your dream getaway.
If you plan on going on vacation and leaving your aging parents at home, it is important to arrange for their care while you are gone. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
Ask for Help. This can include your child, a sibling, or a friend. Make sure that they understand and can handle the needs of your loved one for the length of time you'll be away.
Hire a Caregiver or Contact an Agency. Make sure they are licensed if you go with the former. They may cost less than an agency, but you will have to properly vet them to make sure they meet all requirements as an aide. If you go with an agency, you can guarantee they will meet all requirements.
Ask Their Routine Caregiver for Extended Care. If your loved one already has a daytime caregiver while you’re at work, you can incentivize the caregiver by paying them more to provide care for extended hours. You will have to check to make sure this meets their contract’s parameters, though.
Consider Respite Care. Many assisted-living communities offer short-term stays for an afternoon or even a few days or weeks. We’ll take a deeper look at short-term respite care for elderly in the next section.
Have Regular Check-Ins. If you’re worried about your loved one while you’re away, try to have a plan to check in on them. This can include daily video chats or phone calls to the provider.
Keep Important Documents Organized. It may be a good idea to have all documents, such as insurance or financial information, easily available for the caregiver.
Traveling is undoubtedly a fulfilling experience for people of all ages. Aging should not discourage one from taking vacations. As an older adult, traveling can have several health benefits, including boosting the immune system, relieving stress, and increasing happiness, among other advantages. If you choose to bring your elderly family member along on your vacation, consider the following:
Manage expectations. If your parent requires a lot of rest, the trip may be at a slower pace than what you’re used to. When you discuss these expectations and plan your itinerary around your parent’s needs, you’re bound to have a wonderful experience together no matter what your destination.
Visit a Doctor Before Leaving. Once you know it’s medically safe for your parent to travel, refill medications and leave them in the original labeled pharmacy containers. Ask the doctor for a medication list and instructions on taking them; pack the whole stash in a zippered bag and keep it in carry-on luggage.
Get Accessible Accommodations. Make sure your hotel or resort is accessible for your parent and make sure they have proper access to the food they need if they have dietary restrictions.
Choose Activities Everyone Can Enjoy. When planning vacation activities, make sure they're inclusive and accessible. If walking is required, rent an electric wheelchair for your loved one. Confirm accessibility requirements ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience.
Consider your travel method. If you're traveling by air, it might be a good idea to choose an aisle seat for your parent. Similarly, if you're driving, make sure to take breaks after covering long distances.
Don’t forget to care for yourself. This is your vacation, and everyone should return feeling rejuvenated. Consider bringing a caregiver with you to ease the burden if you can afford it, or plan a spa day to pamper both you and your parents. Make sure this vacation is enjoyable for you, as well as for them!
As we mentioned earlier, respite care is temporary care for elderly patients and primary caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. It can be scheduled for as little as an afternoon or for several days or weeks and can take place in the individual's own home, at a healthcare facility, or at an adult day center. If you’re looking for long-term or weekend care for the elderly, you may want to look into respite care. Keep in mind, Medicare will cover most of the costs up to five days in a row, and Medicaid may also offer assistance. But mostly, your payment will be out of pocket. Be sure to look into other types of government help for additional financial assistance. For more information, check out the ARCH National Respite Network or Eldercare Locator for assistance in finding appropriate respite care.
NEW! AquaBody Strong Classes Balance-and-strength-based water workout that challenges you to maintain core stability and postural alignment while performing Pilates and boot camp exercises on a water fitness board. Contact WellnessEnrollments@nchmd.org to register! Briggs Aquatic Fitness and Swimming Pool 399 9th Street N Naples FL, 34102 239-624-2750 Press option #6 To register for a class, stop by the front desk OR email us! WellnessEnrollments@nchmd.org Swim Lessons Private swim lessons available by request New to swim lessons Work on floating, treading water and forward movement Experienced swim lessons Work on technique, breathing, endurance or a new stroke AquaBoard Classes Balance-and-strength based water workout that challenges you to maintain core stability and postural alignment while performing Pilates and bootcamp exercises on a water fitness board. AquaBody Pilates with Donna B. AquaBody Bootcamp with Melissa W. Member pricing: One session $15 | Four sessions $54 Guest pricing: One session $25 | Four sessions $90 Water Aerobics Classes First come, first serve Included with membership $15 single-day guest pass Aquatic Personal Training Work on range-of-motion, flexibility and strength conditioning. A unique twist to aging actively, programs can be customized for: General fitness Senior fitness Sports performance Special populations Pre/post surgery $85 per session Open / Lap Swimming Lap swimming, pool walking and individual exercises. The pool is 25 meters long, has four lanes and is heated to 84 degrees Pool closes temporarily when lightning within ten (10) miles No lap swimming during class times, please check the aquatic schedule Included with membership $15 single-day guest pass
Often the hardest part of doing something new is getting started, and that's especially true about exercise. This article from AARP makes it easy to get started with the most important exercise to help you age healthy: squats. Five or ten squats are easy to do while you wait for the coffee to brew or the microwave to finish heating.Even when we're healthy we sometimes need a little extra help with the house or errands. Visit our website at www.rosehillathome.com to learn more about how Rose Hill Stay-at-Home Services can help you or a loved one stay in independent and at home.
Transitioning into an independent living residence in Palmetto, FL can be an exciting new chapter in your life, especially when it comes to revisiting old pastimes that once brought joy and fulfillment. These communities are not just about comfortable living; they are also about rekindling passions and enjoying the leisure activities that you love. Here are four ways to rediscover and reengage with your old hobbies, making the most of the amenities and the like-minded company your new home offers.Join Community Clubs or GroupsMost independent living residences boast a variety of clubs and groups designed to cater to the diverse interests of their residents. Whether you once had a love for painting, gardening, or chess, there is likely a club within your retirement community where you can reconnect with that interest. These groups are fantastic for socializing and sharing your passion with others who have similar hobbies. You can also learn new techniques, share your knowledge, and perhaps even take on leadership roles within the club, helping to organize events and activities.Take Advantage of On-site AmenitiesYour independent living residence in Palmetto, FL is likely equipped with a range of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle and leisure time. If you used to enjoy swimming, for example, the on-site pool is not just for exercise; it can be a place to get back into the rhythm of swimming laps or even teach others. Libraries, craft rooms, and woodworking shops also offer spaces to reignite your love for reading, crafting, or building. These amenities are included in your living experience, so make the most of them by dedicating time to indulge in your hobbies.Explore Educational OpportunitiesLearning never stops, and as you age, you might find that you have a deeper appreciation for acquiring new knowledge and skills related to your hobbies. Look for educational opportunities offered within your community, such as workshops, lectures, or classes. These can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to brush up on skills or dive deeper into a hobby that you have not pursued in a while. Whether it is a writing workshop to reawaken your love for storytelling or art classes to refine your painting technique, these learning opportunities can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.Create a Hobby Haven in Your ResidenceYour personal space within an independent living community can be transformed into a haven for your hobbies. Carve out a corner of your apartment for a reading nook, set up a small studio for your painting, or organize a space for your knitting or sewing. Having a dedicated space for your hobbies can inspire you to spend more time on them. Decorate this area with items that motivate you, such as inspiring quotes, images, or anything that reminds you of the joy your hobbies bring. This personalization can make your living space feel even more like home.Enhancing Your LifeRediscovering your hobbies in an independent living community in Palmetto, FL is not only about entertainment but also about enhancing your quality of life. Engaging in leisure activities that you are passionate about can boost your mood, keep your mind sharp, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These communities offer the perfect backdrop to reconnect with your interests, meet others who share them, and add a new level of enjoyment to your daily routine. So, take the first step, explore the options available within your community, and relish in the hobbies that make your heart sing.
What type of care do you need?Staff members from each office work with you to understand your needs, so we can recommend the type of home care thats best for you and your loved one. Before youre matched with a caregiver, a coordinator will speak with you over the phone and meet with you in person for an in-home discussion.